Deafferentation in Monkeys: Effect on Conditioned Grasp Response

Abstract

A preliminary technique was developed for conditioning grasp response in monkeys, for use in studying the effect of damage to the central nervous system on skilled movement. That subjects were able to learn this response with a deafferented hand, in the absence of vision, indicated that purposive movements of the distal musculature are less under the control of peripheral feedback than had been generally believed.